Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has come up with a first-of-its-kind of museum to give rare details of presitgious examinations conducted during pre-to-post independence period to select the country’s bureaucrats.

UPSC Chairperson Alka Sirohi inaugurated the museum at the Commission’s office here. The Commission has in its possession a rich treasure of archival material like original pamphlets, documents, reports and other records. The material, which is on display, covers the period since the founding of the Commission in 1916, upto
2015.

This collection would be of interest to a wide cross section of people. The items would be displayed in the museum on a rotational basis. Presently 147 such articles have been displayed aesthetically, under one roof.

Speaking on the occasion, Sirohi said that the museum showcases rare reports, files, photographs, pamphlets and maps. She also hoped that this will be a unique opportunity for students of history and candidates appearing for the various examinations conducted by the Commission.

The museum is divided into three sections – first shows the history, development and growth of administration in India. The section also provides information of other Civil Services in China, USA among others.

Prof David R Syiemlieh, Member, UPSC hoped the museum will inspire students and civil service aspirants and appreciate the history of this great institution.

The UPSC is a Constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. Besides other tests, it conducts civil services examination annually to select officers for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

The outstanding objects on display at present are pamphlets of the civil service of India, 1916 and 1918 examination, Indian Imperial Police Service Examination, 1926, Combined Competitive Examination 1938 and pamphlets of various other examinations.

It also showcases books authored by bureaucrats, mementos received from different organisations and panels showing lists of the toppers of civil services examination, engineering services examination, Indian Forest Services examination, Indian Statistical Services examination, Geologist examination, and Combined Defence Services examination.

“In the Museum, state-of-art technology has been leveraged for displaying several documents of archival value digitally, through e-kiosks. Braille Panel has been fixed to facilitate the visits of visually impaired,” a press release issued today by Personnel Ministry said.

Entry to the Museum is free and will be open to public from 10 am to 2 pm (Monday to Saturday).